For would-be dog owners, that makes it the perfect time to bring a new pet into the mix. But with so many people bringing new animals home, many for the first time, there are bound to be mistakes. Some may be minor, while others can have a lasting impact.

Here are some of the biggest mistakes new dog parents make and what can be done to avoid them.

Choosing the wrong animal

Margaret Eastman, a veterinarian at Bay East Animal Hospital in Green Bay, said people often get a type of dog they have always wanted or choose what looks cute. The problem, she said, is the buyer may not know anything about the animal or breed, which can lead to unwelcome surprises when it comes to health and behavior.

"You need to think about your needs just as much as the needs of the animal you bring home," Eastman said. "Really evaluate your habits and lifestyle."

She suggests researching as much about breeds as possible online or by consulting a local expert. Each breed has its own unique characteristics and energy level, she said. Some are hyper, while others are more sedentary.

There are some common misconceptions about breeds, though. Eastman said people tend to think big dogs need tons of exercise and room to play, while little ones are lazy, lap dogs. The truth can be exactly the opposite. For example, Bernese mountain dogs, one of the largest breeds, are very laid back, she said. Jack Russell Terriers, on the other hand, are a small, high-energy breed, requiring lots of attention and play.

Some breeds also are more prone to certain health issues. For example, she said, bulldogs often have respiratory problems and German shepherds may experience hip dysplasia. These are things consumers need to consider so they know what they are getting into and how to best care for their new pet.

Sabrina Czarapata is a dog trainer at Parkside Animal Care Center in Green Bay who also breeds Alaskan malamutes. She said any credible breeder will outline both the positives and negatives of their breed. If they do not, she said, they are only interested in the sale, not about connecting the right person with the right animal.

Not setting stage for success

Dogs need to be socialized from the very beginning.

Tammy Pill, owner of Diamond Dog Training Services in Green Bay, said socialization through regular interaction with other animals and people, along with training does wonders for behavior.

She said every dog benefits from training, and most first-time pet owners can benefit from a puppy class or other outside help.

Dogs that do not have proper training or adequate socialization, she said, can be either be scared or aggressive when they encounter other animals and people. Pill said training, companionship and exposure to a variety of dogs, people, places and situations contribute to more predictable behavior.

Moreover, she said dogs learn by example.

"So, if you're out walking and a loud truck or an unfamiliar dog goes by," Pill said, "Be aware of your own reaction because your dog will pick up on it. That is what is called perceptional learning."

Pill and Czarapata said it also helps to introduce to a new puppy when an existing dog is a little bit older, because puppies will learn by the good example.

Pill added the biggest misconception about socialization, though, is that owners think it is best to bring a new pet home when they have vacation time. The problem, she said, is that once that vacation time is over and the owner leaves the dog at home it can spell bad behavior and extreme separation anxiety.

Improper training

A common training mistake, Czarapata said, is incorrectly timing positive and negative reinforcement during potty training.

She said a puppy that goes to the bathroom outside should be rewarded there, not after it comes in the house. If the reward is given inside, the dog will associate the treat not with going potty outside, but with coming in the door. She also urges owners not to scold a puppy that has an accident in the house, particularly if it's right in front of the owner.

She said owners should calmly pick up the mess and and take it outside with the puppy to show that is where it belongs.

"In reality, you want your puppy to feel comfortable going to the bathroom in front of you," Czarapata said. "That's why we take them outside and wait for them."

All training is about consistency, though.

"Have a set of rules and really stick to them," Czarapata said.

If owners have certain rooms or pieces of furniture they want to keep off limits, that needs to be established right away, no exceptions. Animals that are scolded for being on the couch one day and allowed to cuddle on it the next, will become confused and frustrated which can lead to accidents and chewing.

Rules should be enforced when company is over, too. Czarapata said an easy way to stop dogs from jumping, is to tell everyone who walks in to ignore the dog. If this is done well, the dog will eventually get bored and stop jumping on people who walk through the door.

Czarapata said owners should seek help from a trainer if a bad behavior continues or worsens. She said dogs have more respect for people they are not familiar with and will take training more seriously.

Over thinking the food

Becky Krull, a veterinarian at Allouez Animal Hospital, said pet food brands are pushing more expensive, grain-free formulas, which aren't necessarily that much better for dogs.

"Pet food marketers have taken over to make people think that because more people have grain allergies these days, so do dogs and cats," Krull said. "But, in general, pets don't really have grain allergies." She said many animals may actually benefit from consuming grains.

Czarapata added commercials claiming all dogs are "spirits of wolves," aim to perpetuate the idea of meat-based diets. However, she said the commercials are quite backwards, considering that wolves immediately go for the stomach, which is filled with grass and grains, when they eat their prey.

Eastman said pet owners should buy the highest quality food they can afford. Quality, meaning food pets will actually eat, that also contributes to healthy digestion and coats and other benefits.

Brian Broekman, associate veterinarian at Packerland Veterinary Clinic in Green Bay, said the amount of food pets should get depends on the brand as well as the type of animal and whether the goal is to maintain, lose or gain weight. He said the charts on food bags are rough guidelines only. When in doubt, call and ask a vet.

In general, he said, active animals require more food, whereas more relaxed ones need less because they burn less calories. He said he anticipates more pet food brands will soon include calorie information on labels, something he believes will help owners better decide how much food to pour.

No medical attention

It pays to not wait when it comes to pet health.

Krull said owners of healthy pets may not see the need for regular checkups, but staying on top of shots and exams can help prevent large vet bills in the future.

Owners who notice something is wrong with their pets are better off taking them to the vet sooner rather than later. If symptoms worsen and go untreated, it could mean lasting affects or even the loss of a pet.

She also said pets should not be given human medication, unless approved by a vet first. With that, she added, it is also buyer beware when it comes to online pet pharmacies.

"You are not getting what you're thinking," Krull said. "Those medications might be priced a lot cheaper than your local veterinarian, but most are counterfeit and not effective."

sleduc@greenbay.gannett.com 'Like' Shelby Le Duc on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @pgshelbyleduc